The Duke's Daughter Goes Her Own Way
[Until the Crown Princess has Her Own Personal Guard Knight]
Translated by: ME
My everything is for Your Highness.
Everything I have built until now, and everything that will be further built upon it, is solely for my liege.
That is my pride as a guard knight, Alphonse Norman.
***
Within a part of the Royal Guard Knights, there exists a role known as the 'Guard Knight'. That is what I am.
The black-based uniform is the mark of the Royal Guard. Among them, the Guard Knight's uniform is distinguishable by those in the know due to differences in embroidered patterns and equipment.
The uniform of the First Knight Order, which handles castle security, is a bright navy blue. The Second Knight Order, which patrols the city streets, wears a blue-gray.
For the general populace, the 'Knights' they refer to are likely those in blue-gray uniforms. And the 'Knights of the castle' refer to those in navy. It's almost certain they never lay eyes on those of us wearing black uniforms like ours.
Furthermore, when nobles speak of 'Knights', they usually mean those clad in black uniforms like us.
Fools who scheme to somehow bring us, who hold the deep trust of the royal family, under their influence.
And, to make matters more troublesome, the 'Knights' that noble young ladies yearn for are also us.
***
Since I was selected to be the Crown Prince's personal guard, my job is to protect His Highness and those precious to him.
Naturally, I often find myself attending to Lady Elizabeth's side.
Guarding young ladies is troublesome.
I wish they would treat us as if we 'aren't even here', but many go out of their way to talk to us.
I am aware that I possess features that are quite favored by young ladies. That probably doesn't help.
When I first met Lady Elizabeth, she was only five years old.
She was an extremely lovely and adorable young lady, with softly wavy, pale golden hair that resembled fairy wings.
[I thought to myself, the Crown Prince has found a remarkably beautiful princess.]
At that time, the five-year-old Lady Elizabeth rarely appeared in public, partly due to her age.
While it was common knowledge that the Macnagan Duke's family had a daughter, her appearance and temperament were not widely known.
His Highness also seemed somewhat surprised by Lady Elizabeth's beauty.
But Lady Elizabeth's true forte was not her fairy-like, lovely appearance.
***
It never once crossed my mind that there was a young lady who looked not at our appearances, but at our 'positions'...
Moreover, Lady Elizabeth praised us, saying [It's wonderful, there are no blind spots].
It was the first time any young lady had given us such praise, and the fact that it came from His Highness's fiancée made us straighten our backs with renewed seriousness.
We laughed about how we couldn't let our guard down, but inwardly, we were all apprehensive.
While letting our guard down during duty is unthinkable, it felt as if Lady Elizabeth would notice even a moment's lapse...
Lady Elizabeth, who had observed our 'positions' at first glance, was a very peculiar person.
***
Lady Elizabeth and His Highness often enjoyed teatime in the small garden near His Highness's private chambers.
It's a garden named 'The Garden of Spring', intended for the Crown Prince and Crown Princess. It's a garden designed to be beautifully visible from their rooms, and of course, its ease of security was also part of the calculation.
When Lady Elizabeth was first led to the Garden of Spring, she checked our standard positions, which had already become routine. Then, she smiled a small, satisfied smile and nodded, [Uh-huh, uh-huh].
We felt a little reassured by that small nod from Lady Elizabeth.
It could only mean that, in Lady Elizabeth's eyes, there were no holes, and she deemed it 'wonderful'.
His Highness and Lady Elizabeth conversed about various topics here.
There was absolutely no talk of popular stories, new jewels, beautiful dresses, hairstyles, or hair ornaments... surprisingly none at all.
The topic of ornaments did come up once, but it was about 'recently discovered burial goods excavated from an ancient civilization's royal tomb'. Moreover, the conversation was about things like [To think they could achieve such craftsmanship in that era], [The extent of corrosion on the metal used for the clasp], and [How they managed to cut such a high-hardness gem], leaving any notion of charm far behind. Partway through, Master Nathaniel, a scholar working at the royal castle, joined in, leading to a very lively discussion.
His Highness had a memorable expression, gazing into the distance as if he wanted to say, [Just what kind of time is this supposed to be?]
***
One day, word came that His Highness would be slightly late for their tea party.
Lady Elizabeth didn't seem offended at all and nodded, saying, [I understand]. She is not bothered in the least by being kept waiting.
Sure enough, she observed the garden, nodding and tilting her head.
She looked upwards, glanced behind her... what was she looking at? The season was spring, the most splendid time for this 'Garden of Spring'.
However, Lady Elizabeth was remarkably indifferent to beautiful flowers.
His Highness once asked her, [Ellie, why are you so uninterested in flowers?]
Because of her lack of interest in flowers, she doesn't appreciate bouquets, which could be called the safest and easiest-to-prepare gift. Knowing how His Highness always struggles with gift ideas, we too were interested in the answer.
I've met young ladies before who disliked flowers.
Some had unavoidable reasons like allergies, while others had trivial reasons like [It's so sad when they wither...].
They'll bloom again next year, won't they? I almost heard an auditory hallucination saying, [Don't you think I'm kind and wonderful for feeling sorry for the flowers?]
So, what would Lady Elizabeth say?... I watched as she looked very awkward, bowed her head, and in a very, very small voice, said shyly:
[...I cannot develop an interest in flowers that are inedible.]
Was she planning to eat them!?
Damn. I'm about to laugh... I clenched my stomach muscles to hold it in.
[...So, you'd be interested if they were edible?]
At His Highness's question, Lady Elizabeth looked up sharply.
[If they are edible, then they are not 'flowers'. They are 'food'!]
She asserted, puffing out her breath with a [Hmph!].
...Damn... I accidentally let out a strange breath. Hey, Dion! I'm holding it in! You hold it in a little better too!
[I see... 'Food', is it...]
His Highness's words, spoken in an indescribable tone, were the final blow, and I ended up coughing to compose myself.
***
That same Lady Elizabeth was gazing at the garden.
What was she looking at...?
As I wondered, Lady Elizabeth rose from her seat and walked right up to me.
[Excuse me, might I trouble you for a brief conversation?]
[Yes. What is it?]
This was unusual.
Seeing Lady Elizabeth address me, the other guards on standby subtly shifted their positions.
Lady Elizabeth followed even that slight movement with her eyes.
[...Currently, at my eight o'clock direction, isn't there a slight blind spot?]
[...There is.]
I knew she would point it out.
When a person of rank addresses a guard, that guard is no longer counted in the formation. The gap is then covered by the movement of other guards.
No one probably taught Lady Elizabeth such detailed security procedures. Yet, for some reason, she immediately notices such things.
[If your conversation with Lady Elizabeth seems likely to prolong, another knight will be positioned in a few minutes. There is no need for concern.]
[I see. I understand.]
I felt relieved as Lady Elizabeth nodded, saying [Uh-huh].
[Now, what was it you wished to discuss?]
[Yes. There's something I was a little curious about...]
Lady Elizabeth held up her right index finger and pointed straight up with it.
[If a villain came from above, how would you move?]
[...Hah?]
From above?
Asked so unexpectedly, I looked up.
We were in the garden, an open area with trees. Looking up, I saw only sky.
[For example, the second-floor balcony.]
As she spoke, Lady Elizabeth pointed there. Then to an even higher place.
[For example, the roof. For example, the top of that tree over there.]
Lady Elizabeth gave a slight smile and swept her gaze around those locations.
[Let's set aside *how* one would hide there for now. If a villain emerged from there, if a projectile were launched from there... How would you respond?]
Right. *How* someone would get up there is the primary issue, making the possibility almost negligible.
However, one couldn't say it's completely impossible.
[Upon confirming any such potential threats, we would have His Highness and yourself evacuate from this location immediately.]
Even if such a thing occurred, our duty remains unchanged.
To protect our charges, no matter what. That is all.
[And if a villain were positioned above your intended path? If the route back inside the building is compromised?]
[In that case, we would prepare an alternate route.]
It's not like there's only one escape route.
If all of them were to be blocked, it would likely only happen if the castle were invaded by an army of thousands.
[I see.]
Lady Elizabeth smiled happily, seeming satisfied.
...I'm glad she accepted that. At Lady Elizabeth's smile and words, the other guards also let out a relieved breath. ...Yeah, that figures.
[Thank you for answering my impudent questions during your duty.]
[Not at all. It's fine.]
I worried if my clumsy answers might have damaged her trust.
[...Approximately one minute, correct?]
Her words, muttered with a soft [Huhu] laugh, made my back straighten again.
As expected of Lady Elizabeth. That is correct.
Approximately one minute. That's the time from when I began conversing with Lady Elizabeth until a new guard was positioned to replace me in the formation.
[Also, Sir Knight, I have one more request... You may refuse, it's perfectly alright.]
[What might it be?]
Lady Elizabeth looked straight at me and tilted her head slightly.
[Might you lift me up for a moment?]
...Hah?
What did Lady Elizabeth just say...?
[Um, well, like this...]
She made a gesture like holding a small child upright.
I didn't really understand, but perhaps it was necessary...
After a few seconds of hesitation, I crouched down beside Lady Elizabeth.
[Then, please excuse me.]
[Yes. Thank you.]
I slipped my arms around Lady Elizabeth's back and under her knees, lifting her small body.
[Please hold on firmly so you don't fall.]
[Yes. Excuse me.]
Lady Elizabeth's small hands gripped the back of my uniform firmly.
It was a position for holding a child.
Lady Elizabeth's face was right next to mine, and she was looking around the garden with great interest.
Seeing that, I understood.
She wanted to see the view from mine and the other knights' perspective.
***
Lady Elizabeth is petite, even for a girl her age.
She only comes up to about our waists.
Naturally, what she sees and how she sees it from her eye level is different from our viewpoint.
She accurately identified one after another the places we usually focus on: densely wooded areas, spots planted with shrubs, flower beds...
At times, I'm led to think she might actually be a superior officer disguised as a young lady.
[Ellie? What are you doing?]
Hearing His Highness's voice from right nearby, Lady Elizabeth murmured softly, [Oh, Your Highness...]. From my position, I was of course looking down at His Highness. Lady Elizabeth seemed to confirm this too, giving a small nod.
[Can you come down now?]
His Highness had arrived. Lady Elizabeth's 'play' time was over.
[Yes. Please.]
I gently set the nodding Lady Elizabeth down on the ground. She gave a slight bow in my direction.
[Thank you very much. It was fascinating.]
[I'm glad to hear that.]
Fascinating...? I thought, but I suppose that's just how Lady Elizabeth's 'interests' are.
[What were you doing?]
When His Highness asked, Lady Elizabeth laughed cheerfully.
[I wanted to see what they see. This knight kindly assisted me.]
Then, as if remembering, she turned back to me.
[Might I ask your name, if it's not too much trouble?]
At her words, I glanced at His Highness. He nodded as if to say, [It's fine.]
[I am Alphonse Norman.]
[I see. Sir Norman, thank you again. My apologies for interrupting your work.]
[Not at all. It was no trouble, please think nothing of it.]
Lady Elizabeth thanked me once more, then was escorted back to her seat by His Highness.
That night at the dormitory, the topic was [Lady Elizabeth might be scarier than our commanding officer.]
And since she had learned my name, from then on, I occasionally found myself involved in Lady Elizabeth's unreasonable requests...
I suppose she thought I would go along with them.
When I mentioned this to Gray, our chief, he just laughed and said, [She must trust you.]
But could he please try seeing it from my perspective? She says she wants to try hiding in a tree, or climbing onto the roof... I present my [reasons why we can't], and then she comes up with sophistries that she's already convinced won't work, making me rack my brains daily on how to get her to give up.
***
One day, during a tea party hosted by Lady Elizabeth and the Queen, a young lady spoke to me while I was on guard duty there.
Well, it's not that uncommon.
It's a bit conceited to say so myself, but I am quite good-looking. I have sweet features that are popular with young ladies. Thanks to that, I managed to join the Royal Guard, where appearance is also valued, but it also means young ladies sometimes interrupt my duties.
However, I can't exactly be rude to them.
Even I think so when I look in the mirror, but my first impression seems rather frivolous... I wish I could project a serious air like Gray, but I always seem to come off as flighty.
It's innate, so there's nothing I can do about it.
Because of this, I often get approached by young ladies.
They probably think I look like I'm used to playing around... Not that I deny it. Still, I don't make moves on noble young ladies (especially unmarried ones). I want no part of such troublesome partners.
We were stationed quite far from the tea party seating.
The one who came all the way over was a young lady from a certain Count's family.
Lavish golden hair, strong-willed green eyes, bright red lipstick even though it was daytime, and a dress with a deep neckline from her shoulders to her chest.
...Has she misunderstood the nature of this tea party?
Makeup that would look splendid at an evening party seemed garish under the sunlight. Her dress was also designed for evening wear, not daytime.
Or perhaps she was a lower-class prostitute pretending to be a young lady? She lacked that much refinement.
[You are Sir Norman, the Guard Knight, correct?]
She asked, tilting her head coyly. Probably a calculated angle. I had no thought other than it being contrived.
[Yes. How may I help you?]
[I just wanted to talk with you a little.]
But I have nothing to talk about.
The young lady had been chattering on about trivial matters for a good ten minutes now. As for me, I had no choice but to smile and give appropriate, non-committal responses.
It probably wasn't much different from talking to a wall, yet this young lady showed no sign of tiring.
[Oh yes! The other day, Father took me to see a play!]
...Is it still going? Won't she return to her seat soon?
My smile is starting to feel strained.
The eyes of those around us watching this young lady have grown quite cold. It seems her inappropriate attire had already drawn some disapproval, but now the glances held not just 'mild disapproval' but outright scorn.
[It's a popular play called 'The Knight of Lake Everlant', and it was such a wonderful story!]
...That story again.
I internally heaved a great sigh.
It's a stage adaptation of a story by a popular author, and it's been hugely popular since its premiere last year. Especially among women.
Since young ladies often bring it up, I tried reading the original story, but I gave up halfway through.
A colleague who managed to finish it told me the general plot.
My personal opinion was, [I completely fail to see what's interesting about it.]
It's a love story between a knight and a princess in a fictional country called Everlant.
In short, it's about a beautiful knight who is in love with a princess about to be married off for political reasons to an enemy nation, so he kidnaps her and they run away.
I blurted out, [Don't kidnap the princess who is a token of peace with the enemy nation!!] My colleague nodded in agreement.
Thanks to this story and the play, those of us in the knight profession have suffered considerable nuisance.
There are so many young ladies who wish to be kidnapped like the princess.
[I was so moved by the scene where the knight pledges his vow to the princess.]
And of all scenes, it had to be that one.
The very scene that made me throw the book I was reading.
After that, it was too absurd to continue.
My colleague said, [If you think of it as a comedic skit, you can get through it,] and managed to finish it. ...I see. So there's a way to approach it as a comedy... It was a revelation.
[Do you real knights actually have vow words like that?]
If I say yes, the next thing will inevitably be, [Can you say it for me?]
Now, how do I refuse without causing offense?
[Lady Tracy.]
The one who called out was Lady Elizabeth.
Her attire, unlike the young lady before me, was very modest. Her fluffy dress, made by layering many thin fabrics, created a unique color. Against a blue base, pale yellow ribbons were adorned here and there, and the hem of the skirt and cuffs were embroidered with gold thread.
It was an outfit that reflected His Highness's possessiveness, yet it was very cute.
[We are serving a rare tea I acquired the other day. Please, return to your seat. I would like you to taste it before it grows cold.]
[...Thank you.]
With a bored-looking expression, the young lady gave her thanks and returned to her seat.
I was simply amazed. Was that the attitude to show towards the future Crown Princess?
As I watched the young lady leave, I made eye contact with Lady Elizabeth. She gave a slight wry smile and, without making a sound, mouthed the words, [Thank you for your hard work.]
Did I look that tired? I couldn't help but wryly smile back.
***
After the tea party ended, I escorted Lady Elizabeth, who had enjoyed a leisurely tea and conversation with His Highness as usual, to the carriage stand.
Perhaps feeling relieved from the heavy responsibility of hosting the tea party, Lady Elizabeth's steps were light, almost bouncing.
Occasionally, I could hear her humming a small, [La-la, la-la♪].
Like this, she seemed just a charming young girl.
[...Lady Elizabeth, might I have a moment?]
When I called out, Lady Elizabeth stopped and turned around with a puzzled look.
[Yes, what is it?]
It's rare for me to initiate conversation. She must be surprised.
[Earlier today, you saved me. Thank you.]
I bowed. Lady Elizabeth muttered [Ah...] as if remembering, and gave a wry smile.
[No, that was just... I was the one feeling anxious watching it...]
Anxious?
Puzzled, I looked at her. Still with a wry smile, she tilted her head slightly.
[She was charging headfirst into places one shouldn't tread. And doing it completely unaware.]
[...What do you mean?]
[I don't know about knights in fictional countries, but it's not a suitable topic to bring up with someone who takes pride in being a knight of *this* country.]
[Have you read the story about the knight from the fictional country?]
A little curious, I asked. Lady Elizabeth let out a deep sigh.
[I have. ...It took me longer to finish than 'The Eternal Agathia'.]
Longer than that doorstopper! Well, I understand that feeling all too well.
[Did you read it, Sir Norman?]
[...I gave up partway through.]
[You have my deepest sympathies...]
She said in a tone full of pity and bowed deeply. Her slightly comical gesture made me chuckle softly.
[Thank you. ...What were your thoughts on it, Lady Elizabeth?]
[Wouldn't it have been better for the country if they had just chopped off that knight's head straight away?]
At her words, accompanied by another sigh, I almost laughed and covered my mouth.
[And your thoughts, Sir Norman?]
[Don't kidnap the token of peace!]
[Quite right.]
I found myself nodding in agreement with Lady Elizabeth's deep nod.
[I can somewhat understand the heart-fluttering feeling those young ladies have, but my personal opinion is 'That's a no'.]
Hearing Lady Elizabeth state this so clearly made me a little happy.
[If only they had made it with a more absurd motif, I might have enjoyed it too... But a story about a knight with a head full of flower fields and a princess with even vaster flower fields in hers is just bleak.]
Head full of flower fields... Another apt description.
[That scene in the story where the knight pledges his vow to the princess seems popular with the young ladies.]
[So it seems.]
Lady Elizabeth nodded and let out what must have been her umpteenth sigh.
[My heart isn't moved in the slightest by that shallow vow, full of flower fields... But well, it's free for young ladies to dream, I suppose.]
As always, she had a strangely detached perspective.
[Since you gave up partway, Sir Norman, you might not know, but that knight makes his vow to the princess three times within the story.]
[...Is that so?]
Why so many times...?
Does the author perhaps hold some grudge against the knightly profession?
[Yes. And each time, the wording is slightly different too. ...One wonders which one to believe.]
I wholeheartedly agreed with Lady Elizabeth's utterly exasperated tone.
[If it's a 'vow', once in a lifetime should be sufficient. It's in upholding and protecting it that its value lies. There's no need to lightly say 'I vow' over and over again... I wonder if women who think that way are in the minority?]
[I'm afraid they probably are.]
Seeing Lady Elizabeth sigh again as if to say [I thought so], I was impressed.
***
The 'Knight's Vow' does actually exist. But it's not sweet lines resembling lovers' whispers like in the stories. It's not a long speech either.
And we knights almost never utter it aloud.
As Lady Elizabeth said, it's probably meant to be 'once in a lifetime'.
We learn it at the Knight Academy, as the final lesson.
The words of the vow and their meaning.
They are not mere words. It's the resolve to live according to those words. The pride of a knight, to stand there with that vow in heart, ready to offer one's all to whom it is due.
The young ladies who lightly say [Won't you say it for me?] probably wouldn't understand.
But the words Lady Elizabeth just spoke are exactly the sentiment and way of being that we knights hold.
A vow made only once in a lifetime is to be upheld and protected through and through.
Once again, I thought she might be a superior officer disguised as a young lady.
***
Just a little.
I found myself thinking, if only I had been born ten years later...
Then perhaps there could have been a path for me to become Lady Elizabeth's personal guard.
I have no dissatisfaction whatsoever with my position as the Crown Prince's personal guard.
His Highness is an irreplaceable, crucial figure for the country. Guarding him personally is the highest honor.
But, just a little.
I thought, if only I could serve Lady Elizabeth.
If I could protect her, the one who understands the 'way of being' of a knight, our pride.
That would probably be a truly happy thing for a knight.
I thought that, just for a moment.
***
One day, while I was on break, a colleague came to get me. His Highness was summoning me to his office, urgently.
Being called during a break was unusual. His Highness is the type who clearly separates such things. Rest when resting, work diligently during duty; he's very strict about it. ...Now that I think of it, Lady Elizabeth is the same. Those two are well-matched in that aspect too.
Answering His Highness's summons, I was told something completely unexpected.
[I want you to become Ellie's personal chief guard.]
For a moment, I didn't comprehend what he said.
Lady Elizabeth's personal guard? And did he say chief? Me?
[You have until three days from now to give your ans—]
[I humbly accept the appointment.]
I inadvertently committed the discourtesy of interrupting His Highness.
But His Highness didn't seem to mind; in fact, he looked amused.
What was this? Was it some convenient dream?
***
Later, consulting with Gray and proceeding to select the other knights for Lady Elizabeth's personal guard besides myself, I thought, [Ah, so it's not a dream.]
***
The next day, I submitted the reassignment paperwork to the knight brigade's administrative office.
There, the chief clerk handed me a new uniform.
[Change into this,] he said. The uniform he handed over had the violet flower insignia, the mark of the Crown Princess's personal guard, attached to the chest.
[It's by order of His Highness the Crown Prince. He said it's four years early, but to wear it.]
His Highness's obsession with his fiancée is already common knowledge among those working at the castle.
I returned the uniform with the Crown Prince's insignia and put on the new one.
A uniform where only one small place—the insignia on the chest—had changed. But Lady Elizabeth would probably notice even that.
***
Wearing the new uniform, I went to pay my respects to Lady Elizabeth upon assuming my new post.
[Isn't the chest insignia a bit early...?]
Sure enough, she noticed and her expression tightened slightly. Only Lady Elizabeth would grasp the 'weight' of this tiny insignia.
[His Highness the Crown Prince ordered me to wear it. If you are dissatisfied, please take it up with His Highness.]
When I said that, Lady Elizabeth formed a strained smile, as if to say [Unthinkable.]
She knew it was useless to complain to His Highness.
[Was this acceptable for you, Sir Norman?]
Lady Elizabeth asked, with a slightly worried expression.
[...What do you mean?]
[You are effectively being removed from being 'His Highness's personal guard'...]
Ah, truly, this person...
The hierarchy of our guard knights follows the royal family's order of precedence. Naturally, the highest priority is the King's guard knights.
In that hierarchy, Lady Elizabeth, currently merely the 'Crown Prince's fiancée', is at the very bottom.
She must have thought I was being demoted, moving from 'Crown Prince's guard' to 'Crown Prince's fiancée's guard'.
But personally, I held no such thought.
For me, it was nothing but an honor.
To be able to serve this person who understands, respects, and tries to cooperate with our way of being.
It made me nothing but genuinely happy.
So, I smiled.
[There is no problem whatsoever. On the contrary, it is an honor far beyond my station.]
I had no other feeling about it.
Lady Elizabeth seemed to understand that.
She didn't inquire further, as if prying.
Instead, in a voice barely above a murmur, she said:
[Then I must strive to become a person worthy of your protection.]
What is she saying?
While I'm grateful she holds our way of being in high esteem, I am here precisely because I believe she *is* worthy of protection.
Does she lack confidence in herself, or does she overestimate us?
You already have value, just as you are.
And it's not for Lady Elizabeth to decide that. It's for us, the knights who protect you.
Surely, this would be quicker than any number of words.
Thinking so, I asked the seated Lady Elizabeth if she would please stand.
She looked puzzled but rose. I stepped closer, knelt directly in front of her.
I heard the soft sound of Lady Elizabeth's breath catching.
I held out my hand, prompting her to offer hers. After a moment's hesitation, a small hand was gently extended.
I received the small, slender hand I was meant to protect in both of my hands and gently pressed my forehead against it.
Lady Elizabeth's hand gave a slight tremble.
She couldn't possibly be unaware of the meaning of this posture.
It is the highest form of respect a knight of this country can show, different from the theatrical knight's bow.
I took a small breath, inhaling and exhaling.
[My loyalty is to the country—]
The words learned at the end of Knight Academy.
[You need not read it aloud. Engrave it upon your heart,] they said.
Indeed, this was the first time I had ever spoken them aloud.
[My sword is for Your Highness's protection. My everything is for Your Highness. I vow to dedicate my entire being to you, My Liege Your Highness.]
I had altered the wording slightly from the original 'Knight's Vow'. Originally, the sword is pledged to the people, and one's all is pledged to the King. And the final 'My Liege' should be 'His Majesty the King' in the proper 'Knight's Vow' taught at the academy.
But this was fine.
If I was to vow only once in my life, I would pledge my all to Lady Elizabeth, my liege.
Wondering how Lady Elizabeth would respond, I heard a small, deep breath, then a very quiet voice said:
[Even should your body be broken, become the sword and shield that protects me. In the name of I, Elizabeth Macnagan, I recognize Alphonse Norman as my Guard Knight.]
Overjoyed, I inadvertently tightened my grip on Lady Elizabeth's small hand.
Did she notice?
This, too, was an adaptation of the formal vow response. This is what's amazing about her.
The original is 'Become the sword that protects the people, the shield that protects the country—'. She really is well-informed.
[Guard Knight Alphonse Norman humbly and gratefully accepts your words.]
Concluding thus, I stood up. Lady Elizabeth was making a terribly complicated face.
She was probably thinking, [What on earth have you done?]
It's the 'Knight's Vow' that young ladies yearn for. Couldn't you be a little happier about it?
***
And so, today again, I adjust my attire and slip my arms into the sleeves of the jet-black uniform.
I fasten the stand-up collar neatly, put on my gloves, and leave my room.
I take over duty in front of Lady Elizabeth's room and wait for her to emerge. While waiting, I straighten my collar once more.
[Good morning, Alphonse.]
[Good morning.]
Well now, another day begins.
Today, too, I will perform my guard duties, sometimes being run ragged, sometimes taking damage to my abdominal muscles.
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